Overview & Reviews
Throughout most of the 1980s and '90s, Mercedes offered impeccably built luxury cars geared toward the company's traditional buyers who didn't mind the somewhat blocky design aesthetic exhibited across the lineup. Still, there were some consumers who wanted something with Mercedes' well-known strengths and presence, but coupled to more daring styling. That's where the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class came in. Originally offered as a coupe and later as a convertible, the CLK combined a curvy body with four-seat practicality at a price digestible to the moderately wealthy masses. To no one's surprise, it was a hit.
After a 12-year model run, however, Mercedes replaced the CLK with the similar E-Class coupe and convertible. Still, the CLK remains an appealing pre-owned option. Offering refined road manners, a sufficient amount of sportiness and the expected levels of Mercedes-Benz luxury, safety and prestige, the CLK is certainly worth considering.
Used Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Models
Produced from 2003-'09, the second-generation Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class debuted in coupe form as the CLK320 (215-horsepower 3.2-liter V6), CLK500 (302-hp 5.0-liter V8) and CLK55 AMG (362-hp 5.4-liter V8). Convertible equivalents to all three joined for 2004. In 2005, the CLK500 switched from a five-speed automatic to the current seven-speed automatic transmission, and this was also the last year the CLK55 AMG was available in coupe form (and the year the navigation system switched from a CD-based to a DVD-based unit).
For 2006, the CLK320 became the CLK350 (268-hp 3.5-liter V6) and also got the seven-speed, while in 2007 the CLK500 and CLK55 morphed into the CLK550 (382-hp 5.4-liter V8) and CLK63 AMG (475-hp V8), respectively. For 2008, the AMG coupe returned, but only in limited-edition "Black Series" form with a 500-hp V8, a track-tuned suspension and a six-figure price tag. Both the CLK63 AMG and the Black Series were dropped for 2009.
Notable standard equipment on the CLK included alloy wheels, leather upholstery, power seats, dual-zone climate control and a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. Major options included a sport appearance package, a navigation system, an upgraded Harman Kardon audio system and keyless ignition. Interior accommodations were airy in CLK coupes, thanks to their B-pillarless design, while CLK convertibles had a quick-acting power-operated cloth top. In addition to the extra power, V8 models added a body kit, different-colored interior pieces and paddle shifters for the automatic transmission.
In reviews, we noted that the relaxed driving character of this CLK-Class made it more of a grand touring car than a sport coupe. The steering was slower than we'd like, but overall, the CLK handled fairly nimbly while riding comfortably. It was plenty quick, too. As a pre-owned option, there's a lot to like in the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class if you value the Benz ownership experience.
The first-generation Mercedes-Benz CLK was produced for the 1998-2002 model years in coupe form, while the convertible was available from 1999-2003. Each debuted as a CLK320 powered by a 215-hp 3.2-liter V6. The CLK430 variant, motivated by a 275-hp 4.3-liter V8, arrived a year later. The high-performance CLK55 AMG coupe and its 342-hp 5.4-liter V8 joined the line in 2001. Its convertible equivalent followed in 2002, and both went away at year's end.
All models had standard leather, dual-zone automatic climate control, SmartKey keyless entry, a Bose cassette stereo, power seats with memory, front seat side airbags and antilock brakes. CLK430 models added 17-inch wheels, aero enhancements and different-colored interior items. CLK55 AMGs went further with a stiffer suspension, performance exhaust, xenon headlights, a sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, multicontour front seats, front seat heaters and a rear sunshade.
The first changes came for 1999, when stability control became standard on the CLK430 and optional on the CLK320. In 2000 this safety feature became standard across the board, as did Mercedes' new TeleAid emergency communications system. Also, the five-speed automatic transmission on all models gained a manual mode.
The original Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class didn't drive as nicely as the second-generation one. Power wasn't the issue, as all CLKs of this generation were fine performers. In reviews at the time, we took issue with the transmission, which often second-guessed the driver's intentions and delivered badly timed shifts. In addition, the brake pedal was on the spongy side, and the CLK's old-fashioned recirculating-ball steering setup was numb and heavy. On the highway, the car always felt solid and composed, however. Actual braking distances were excellent, too. Besides that, the CLK55 AMG coupe was then the quickest production Benz in history, hitting 60 mph in 5 seconds flat.
Our gripes on the inside concerned the lack of a tilt steering wheel, limited rear-seat headroom and the complexity of many of the controls. CLK Cabriolets suffered from cramped rear legroom, mediocre rear visibility and a power top that wasn't fully automatic (all of which were improved on the second-generation CLK).
In general, we still think the BMW 3 Series coupes and convertibles of the time were more rewarding cars to drive, not to mention less expensive. Still, if we were buying a CLK, our choice would be either the CLK320 or the CLK430. The Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG, as fast as it was, didn't offer a big enough performance enhancement to justify its price hike.
User Reviews:
Showing 91 through 100 of 581.00-
What happened? - 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By hslmd - May 21 - 10:00 amJust ask me for the list. Back to the dealer 12 of the first 18 months I had the car. Good thing it was a lease!!!
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I love this Car!!! - 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Ringmaster - May 17 - 10:00 amI simply love getting into this car every day. The only problem that I have had with it is warping of my rotors (The first three months I always had my foot Way in it) The accelleration is outstanding and it handles well for a 5k lb car. I love the throaty sound of the 4.3 litre V8. I would highly recomend this car to anyone.
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CLK - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By AgentScott - May 17 - 10:00 amEver time i drive this vehicle its a pleasure, having come off of a SL i was concerned however it was a great surprise
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League of its own - 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By BJrun88 - May 10 - 10:00 amMy first MB, and dealer told me this was a "Gentlemans Racer", which I originally though was kinda corny -- but now I know this is definitly the best way to describe the CLK430. After buying a new car every other year for the past 22 years...this is the first time I plan on keeping one -- theres nothing else on the road better under 100 grand -- that says its all. This is one great ride.
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Tough to beat! - 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Brisbourne - May 3 - 10:00 amOK, not quite the build quality that youve been led to believe, but the ownership bargain of a lifetime! After 10000 miles, the performance comes on strong, and the whole driving experience improves. Noticeably better when driven hard Trunk is surprisingly useful as long as you pack soft. Without the options, (heated seats, etc) a little cheap inside with obvious missing switches on the otherwise nice black ash console. Pay the money for the multicontour seats...they make a substantial difference in comfort over long distances. Verdict? I have a 2004 500CLK on order!!
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CLK500 - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By CLk500 coupe - May 1 - 11:40 amGreat riding and driving car. After almost 10k miles 0 defects! Does not appear to enjoy the resale value of my 2000! However I feel the car is far superior to my previous CLK430!
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Fabulous, Sleek and Sexy 2005 CLK Cabrio - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By tamalama - April 30 - 11:50 amI love my new cabriolet. Eyes follow it everywhere -- thumbs up and winks from all over the road. The ride is great - - smooth and comfortable and I love the way the car hugs the road. Handling is great! And love those new standard rims.
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DREAM CAR - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Mother of 3 boys - April 28 - 2:00 amThis has been my dream car from the moment I saw it years ago. And I finally got one. It is sporty, handles extremely well, just an overall fun and powerful car. I absolutely love it!!!! But as a mother of 3 boys I had to keep a second car. This one is just not made for a family. But I still LOVE it!!!
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Not what youd expect for the price. - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By Too Late - Its mine - April 17 - 10:00 amIf I could give it back - Id definitely buy the Lexus coupe. This 60k+ car was in the shop 3x in the first week. Back again for parts that fell off, locks that dont unlock and the alignment still pulls. The brakes squeal-acceptable and expected says Benz-and dont expect them to last past 12-15k Mi. When I told the Service Mgr I owned 2 lexus before this, he said, "Thats a great product. This is no Lexus." That speaks volumes. I should have respected the consumer reports ratings that told me these cars are unreliable & w/poor customer satisfaction. My fault for not listening. Ill probably keep it for a year and dump it for the Lexus, where I was spoile
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snow= no go - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By snow bound - March 16 - 2:00 amI love my CLK 500 but in the snow.. its a no go... make sure to realize this if you live in an area that receives lots of snow. 1 inch is one inch too many for the CLK-500.... other than that it is a great car with a terrific engine...
